comparatively
gb/kəmpˈɛɹɪtɪvli/ us/kəmpˈɛɹɪtɪvli/
B1
English
~ 3700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
to a certain extent in comparison
Used to say that something is true when you compare it to something else.
Usage pattern:
comparatively [adjective/adverb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'comparatively' with 'completely' due to similar sounds, but the meanings are opposite.
Synonyms
relatively (Almost identical meaning, though 'relatively' is slightly more common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
absolutely (Opposite in that it means without comparison or qualification.)
Collocations
comparatively easy
|comparatively small
|comparatively low
|comparatively rare
Themes
communication
|comparison
|description
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The exam was comparatively easy this year.
- This area is comparatively quiet compared to downtown.
- The new model is comparatively cheap for its quality.
- Her recovery was comparatively quick after the surgery.
Learner examples
- The test was comparatively easy.
- This town is comparatively small.
- The food here is comparatively cheap.
- He finished the work comparatively fast.
Grammar
Dictionary form
comparatively
IPA
GB/kəmpˈɛɹɪtɪvli/
US/kəmpˈɛɹɪtɪvli/
Syllables & stress
com - par - at - ively (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (par)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: comparatively
- Plural: comparativelies
Word family
Forms
comparativelies
noun
Core family
Related words
comparable
adjective B2
comparably
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
incomparable
adjective
incomparably
adverb
Expressions
comparatively speaking
1/kəmpˈɛɹɪtɪvli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
in comparison with other things
Used to say that something is true when compared with other similar things.
Examples
- Comparatively speaking, this city is safer than most in the country.
- Comparatively speaking, the project cost was quite low.